Whilst you had been asleep, US President Donald Trump halted essential navy assist to an embattled Ukraine, marking an escalation within the already strained ties between the 2 nations. Simply days in the past, Trump indulged in a public spat with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on the Oval Workplace. The White Home has mentioned that the pause will keep in impact until the President is glad that Ukraine is making efforts for an early decision of the struggle. Trump, who has cosied as much as Russia in current days, has claimed that the Ukrainian chief was “not prepared for peace”.
Trump’s diplomatic manoeuvres have put him at odds with long-term allies in Europe, who had thus far loved US assist in isolating Russia. In opposition to this backdrop, Exterior Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is headed to the UK right this moment.
On the desk: Now, because the UK together with France spearheads a peace plan for Ukraine, India’s diplomatic tightrope shall be put to the take a look at. To date, India has kept away from selecting both aspect, sustaining that it was on the “aspect of peace”. Whereas British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has mentioned that there have been a number of attainable paths to peace, French President Emmanuel Macron floated the thought of a partial one-month truce to start negotiations with Russia.
Deal or no deal: India’s balancing act shall be essential for impending commerce agreements. Simply final month, New Delhi relaunched talks for a free commerce settlement with London. On the similar time, it’s additionally in search of a commerce cope with the US to flee the wrath of Trump’s retaliatory tariff plans.
On that observe, right here’s what else now we have for you right this moment.
⚡ Solely in Categorical
Rival groups and cricketing consultants have a gripe with the ICC Champions Trophy organisers. Staff India appears to have all the benefits. It gained’t should endure fixed journey or alter to various pitches, a luxurious some say offers India a big edge. Critics argue that if that they had identified they might play on only one floor, they might have tailor-made their squads otherwise. However the debate round India’s benefit misses nuance—concerning the power of India’s gamers that many others lack, writes my colleague in Dubai, Venkata Krishna B. India is ready to play towards Australia right this moment, which is able to resolve who will face South Africa or New Zealand for the ultimate conflict.
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📰 From the Entrance Web page
Robust nut: Makhana farming, a follow fraught with dangers and poor pay, isn’t any imply feat. As makhana takes on a superfood standing, farmers in Bihar need to money in on the guarantees made by the Union Authorities on this yr’s Price range. Learn their story.
Jungle e book: Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s first assembly of the nationwide wildlife board ended with a slew of bulletins. On agenda: a survey of lions, tackling human-wildlife battle and conservation plans for gharials and Nice Indian Bustards.
📌 Should Learn
Stoop: The markets have been on a pointy, steady slide for 5 months now. Whereas the drop isn’t jaw-dropping in numbers, its influence has hit exhausting. Why? It’s all about who’s investing. In India, equities are now not only for seasoned professionals, and for a lot of, that is their first style of a downturn. Past the portfolios, although, there’s a ripple impact: decrease market confidence might tighten wallets, dulling the spending and consumption increase anticipated from this yr’s Price range concessions.
Converse up: Does Hindi deserve the hate it will get? The query goes past the controversy over Hindi imposition. Mrinal Pande, the previous chairperson of Prasar Bharti, factors to the rising pattern of the younger abandoning Hindi en masse for English.
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Electoral fraud? West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has joined the rising refrain towards the purity of electoral rolls. She has accused the BJP of colluding with the Election Fee (EC) to affect subsequent yr’s Meeting elections with pretend voters. Comparable allegations have been made in Maharashtra and Delhi. On the coronary heart of the controversy are duplicate Electors Photograph Identification Card (EPIC) numbers for various electors. The EC, nonetheless, has dismissed the claims.
⌛ And Lastly…
Right here’s a quantity to consider: 44.9 crore. This makes up practically a 3rd of the nation’s projected inhabitants. It’s also the variety of Indians anticipated to be chubby or overweight by 2050. What’s driving the weight problems epidemic? The uptick in consumption of processed meals. There’s hope nonetheless. Specialists flag the pressing want for combative measures at a nationwide degree.
🎧 Earlier than you go, don’t overlook to tune in to the most recent episode of the ‘3 Issues’ podcast. At the moment’s lineup: The most recent GDP estimates, all about ‘dunki’ routes, and PM Modi on Dramatic Performances Act.
That’s all for right this moment, of us! Till tomorrow,
Sonal Gupta
